Lots to do on New Year's Eve in MetroWest and beyond

Amid bleak employment options and shaken consumer confidence, the Crowne Plaza in Natick believes it has the perfect way to close a decade marked by a late nosedive: comedy.

Michael Morton

Amid bleak employment options and shaken consumer confidence, the Crowne Plaza in Natick believes it has the perfect way to close a decade marked by a late nosedive: comedy.

"People need to laugh," assistant general manager Jeff Foster said Wednesday. "It's been a tough year."

With finances still tight, area residents have a variety of options to mark the new year tonight, from a free dinner at the First United Methodist Church in Hudson to food and a little square dancing at First Parish Church in Framingham for $33 a head. Revelers can also journey further afield to annual celebrations in Boston and Worcester.

Eschewing traditional ballroom dancing for a fresh New Year's Eve approach, the Crowne Plaza has invited Framingham native Paul Nardizzi to headline a comedy show kicking off at 9:10 p.m. The event costs $30 and also features comics Artie Januario and Larry Lee Lewis.

Given the economy, the Crowne Plaza is not offering a set package for the evening. Instead, guests can spend at will, with separate reservations available for the hotel restaurant Dux and anyone dining or buying show tickets is eligible for discounted rooms.

Comedy is also on tap at Amazing Things Arts Center in Framingham starting at 8 p.m., with tickets running from $19 to $22 and stand-ups Joe Wong, Jon Lincoln and Peter Bowers slated to perform.

Elsewhere, the First United Methodist Church celebration runs from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with cribbage and board games preceding the Agape Cafe's free meal. The First Parish Church event runs from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with square dancing costing $12 a head at the door, $33 with dinner.

British Beer Company in Framingham features the band Big Party Orchestra and is not charging a cover, while 1790 Restaurant in Westborough features jazz singer Toni Ballard performing with pianist Dick Odgren and bassist Bob Simonelli. Those looking for pub songs should check out John Fitzsimmons & Friends at Concord's Colonial Inn at 8 p.m.

Finally, First Night Worcester (www.firstnightworcester.org) starts at 4 p.m., with tickets $12 beforehand and $15 at the gate. Children 10 and under get in free. First Night Boston (www.firstnight.org) starts in the afternoon, with $18 admission buttons available at select retailers. Children 3 and under don't need one.

As in the past, Tommy's Taxi of Framingham will run a 24-hour shift for partiers. While she urged alcohol-consuming revelers to take cabs for safety, Tommy's owner Jo-Anne Thompson also wondered yesterday what kind of business her fleet will see tonight.

"Our business has very much been affected by the slowed-down economy," she said. "I wonder if the same number of people will be partying or if more will decide to stay home."

Reporter Dan McDonald contributed to this report.

MetroWest Daily News writer Michael Morton can be reached at 508-626-4338 or mmorton@cnc.com.